Modi surpasses Nehru to become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister

World leaders on Wednesday congratulated Narendra Modi after he became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, praising his leadership, public service and contribution to India’s development.

Modi reached the milestone on Wednesday with an uninterrupted tenure of 4,399 days in office, surpassing the record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

जनसेवा ही सुशासन की सबसे बड़ी कसौटी है। विनम्रता, समर्पण और कर्तव्यनिष्ठा के साथ निरंतर कार्य करने वाला व्यक्ति ही जनविश्वास अर्जित करता है।

सदानुरक्तप्रकृतिः प्रजापालनतत्परः।

विनीतात्मा हि नृपतिर्भूयसी श्रियमश्नुते॥ pic.twitter.com/mn0Ax0F8hs

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2026

Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulated Modi and praised his role in transforming India’s economy.

“Warm congratulations to PM @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. A true statesman who has transformed India’s economy and standing in the world. Proud of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we built together,” Morrison posted on social media on Wednesday.

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim said the achievement reflected Modi’s years of public service and leadership.

“This achievement stands as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on the global stage,” Ibrahim said.

He added that Malaysia values its close and longstanding friendship with India and looks forward to “continuing our cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for our peoples.”

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the milestone reflected the confidence and trust placed in Modi by the people of India across three consecutive mandates.

“His dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide,” Tinubu said in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation,” Tinubu added.

Former President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih described the achievement as a “historic milestone that reflects the enduring trust and confidence the people of India have placed in Prime Minister Modi.”

“India’s remarkable economic, social, and political progress during his tenure stands as a testament to his leadership,” Solih posted on social media.

“Maldives–India relations have also flourished and strengthened significantly under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. It is my sincere hope that the close bonds of friendship between our two countries continue to grow in the years ahead,” he added.

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto also congratulated Modi on the milestone.

“This reflects the trust and confidence reposed in your leadership by the people of India across three consecutive mandates in the world’s largest democracy.Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service,” Ruto said.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar also congratulated Modi.

Nehru, who was first elected to the post in 1952, took the oath of office on May 13 and served until May 27, 1964 — a tenure of 4,398 days.

His period in office between 1947 and 1952 was as head of an interim government, as elections were not held until 1952.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi served for more than 14 years, longer than Modi, but her tenure was not uninterrupted.

Modi first took charge as India’s Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, after securing a landslide victory.

His second term began on May 30, 2019, after he was re-elected with a bigger mandate.

His third consecutive term started on June 9, 2024.